PLATEAU State Denominational Church Leaders and Spiritual Fathers, have raised a serious concern over senseless and continuous attacks on innocent people in Mangu Local Government, calling on government and its security agencies to stop the ongoing massacre in the state.
This was contained in press statement signed by the ECWA President, Rev. (Dr) Stephen Baba Panya, on behalf of the Plateau State Church Denominational Leaders and Spiritual Fathers and made available to THE NIGERIA STANDARD in Jos, the state capital Sunday.
The president said, “We the Church Denominational Leaders and Spiritual Fathers on the Plateau, view this round of killings and destruction as devilish, barbaric and an act of genocide against innocent and armless villages.
“This again is another sad commentary on the unabated bloodletting that has engulfed Plateau State over the years without any meaningful attempt by government at federal and state levels to decisively address the unfortunate situation. For how long will this bloodletting continue?
“We the Church Leaders and Spiritual Fathers are calling on the government and all the security agencies to immediately stop this ongoing massacre and its spread to more communities. We also urge relevant emergency management agencies to urgently provide shelter and relief materials to the affected communities for them to have the much-needed succour”, he appealed.
Panya, also implored spirited individuals, groups and organisations to come to the aid of these devastated communities and called on citizens to remain calm and peaceful in the face of this unwarranted persecution trusting that government and its relevant agencies would immediately restore normalcy and build confidence of people.
“If we must move forward as a peaceful, united and democratic nation, then these and many other questions must be answered through deliberate action by government to bring these killings to an end and also restore peace and tranquillity in Plateau State and other troubled parts of the country.
“The persistent attacks and killings in Plateau State have continued to raise a number of questions. Who really wants to destroy Plateau State and why? Are the killings really “unknown” gunmen and why do they always have sophisticated weapons and enough time to wreak harvoc on innocent citizens? What has happened to those arrested in previous attacks? Are the security agencies in Plateau State handicapped”, he asked.
THE NIGERIA STANDARD reports that from May 15, 2023, over 130 people were discovered killed with some yet to be recovered, 22 churches burnt down and 22 villages affected among which are Fungzai, Hale, Kubwat, Bwoi and many other communities of Kombun District of Mangu Local Government Area and some communities in Riyom Local Government Area too.
